Attractions and Places To See around Nether Exe - Top 20

Nether Exe is rich in history. You can visit the magnificent Exeter Cathedral, a 14th-century religious building known for England's longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling and a 15th-century astronomical clock. Another significant site is the Countess Wear Bridges, which hold historical importance as a D-Day military training site. Further afield, the ancient Cursus, Long Mortuary Enclosure, and Ring Ditch near Netherexe Barton offer a glimpse into Neolithic ritual activity.

Yes, the area is defined by its natural beauty. The River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal are central, offering scenic views and leisure opportunities. You can also find a picturesque oxbow lake near St John the Baptist Church. For wildlife enthusiasts, the wider Exe Estuary is particularly significant, attracting tens of thousands of wetland birds, especially during winter.

The area around Nether Exe is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the Exeter Ship Canal on the Exe Estuary Trail. For more structured routes, consider cycling tours like the 'Exeter Quayside – Exeter Canal Basin loop' or 'Bike loop from Thorverton'. Find more cycling routes at Cycling around Nether Exe.

Yes, there are various hiking trails. Easy options include the 'River Exe at Brampford Speke – Exe Valley Railway Path loop' (5.1 km) or the 'Exe Valley Railway Path – Old Cross loop' (4.3 km). For moderate hikes, try the 'Exe Valley Railway Path – River Exe at Brampford Speke loop' (10.6 km). You can explore more hiking options at Hiking around Nether Exe.

Several attractions are suitable for families. The Exeter Ship Canal and the Exe Estuary Trail offer flat paths perfect for walking and cycling with children. Exeter Cathedral welcomes visitors of all ages to explore its historical features. Additionally, Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn provides a pleasant riverside setting with shops and eateries, making it a great stop for families.

Absolutely. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn is an excellent choice, offering an 18th-century water mill with shops and eateries in a gorgeous riverside location. Near Ducke's Marsh, 'The Port Royal' is a lovely place to stop for a rest and a drink overlooking the weir, with good food available.

The Cursus, Long Mortuary Enclosure, Ring Ditch, and other associated cropmarks located east of Netherexe Barton are nationally important archaeological remains. These features date from the Middle and Late Neolithic period (c. 3000-2400 BC) and are believed to have served ritual or ceremonial purposes, offering significant insights into prehistoric life and beliefs in the region.

Yes, the Exe Estuary Trail runs alongside the Exeter Ship Canal, providing a scenic route for both walking and cycling. This trail allows you to enjoy continuous views of the river and the surrounding countryside.

St John the Baptist Church is a Grade I listed church with origins tracing back to an Anglo-Saxon chapel around 1125. It is largely constructed from local volcanic stone and is uniquely situated above an oxbow lake without direct road access, making it a tranquil spot popular with walkers. Its churchyard also contains an old charnel house and historic memorials.

The Exe Estuary is particularly significant for its wildlife during winter, attracting tens of thousands of wetland birds. For general outdoor activities like walking and cycling, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, especially for leisure activities along the River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal.

Yes, Nether Exe offers challenging gravel biking routes. Options include 'Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge' (55 km, difficult) or 'Killerton, Ashclyst and East Hill' (84 km, difficult). These routes provide extensive rides through varied terrain. More gravel biking routes can be found at Gravel biking around Nether Exe.

Ducke's Marsh is a lovely place for a walk, especially around the weir. It's known for sightings of cormorants and herons. The meadow here also serves as the main sports ground for Exeter University, and it's a pleasant open space for running.